Study Project to Equip In-service Vessels with SOX Scrubber Systems Receives Class Notation of Classification Character
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the completion of a joint study project (Note 1) to equip in-service vessels with SOX scrubber systems (Note 2), in a move to reduce vessels’ emissions of sulfur oxides ahead of stricter international environmental standards. The project received a class notation of classification character. MOL and four other companies – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK; Chairman and President: Koichi Fujiwara; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Ryutaro Ikebe; Headquarters: Usuki City, Oita Prefecture), Sanwa Dock Co., Ltd. (CEO: Isamu Teranishi; Headquarters: Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture), and Wärtsilä Japan Ltd. (Managing Director: Yoshihiko Onishi; Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) – participated in the study.
The project targeted a total of nine vessels including the same-type sister ships and based on ClassNK’s appraisal, received a class notation of classification character, Exhaust Gas Cleaning System Ready-Full (EGCSR-F), which certifies preparation for installation of SOX scrubber systems at the blueprint level. In addition, ClassNK is preparing a revised edition of the Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, published in 2014, that will incorporate the results of the study.
As an initiative to address the SOX emissions issue in advance of a revised international treaty (Note 3) that places stronger restrictions on exhaust emissions from vessels, the project targeted car carriers, which structure makes it more technically challenging to add scrubber systems, compared to other types of vessels. It also focused on ships already in service, which are more difficult to equip with scrubbers than newbuilding vessels. It also used the latest technologies such as 3D scanning to promote operational efficiency in installation process.
MOL continues to promote “ISHIN NEXT – MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT -” and takes a proactive stance in development and introduction of technologies that will reduce the company’s environmental impact, enhance operating safety, and ensure reliable transport services.
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Source: MOL
